Blood Glucose Meter
A blood glucose meter is a portable device used to measure capillary blood glucose from a fingertip. It is the most essential tool for daily self-management of diabetic patients. The meter determines blood glucose levels by detecting electrical signals generated from the reaction between enzymes on the test strip and glucose in the blood.
Using a blood glucose meter helps patients understand their real-time blood glucose levels, evaluate the effects of diet, exercise, and medication on blood glucose, and adjust their management plan promptly. It is easy to operate, requires a small blood sample, and provides rapid results. However, regular calibration is necessary; test strips must be properly stored within their validity period, and adequate disinfection should be applied during blood collection to avoid infection.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (CGMS)
A continuous glucose monitoring system is a device that continuously measures glucose concentration in interstitial fluid via a subcutaneously implanted sensor. It records glucose levels every few minutes and generates a continuous glucose profile, clearly reflecting glucose fluctuation trends. It can detect nocturnal hypoglycemia or postprandial hyperglycemia that are often missed by traditional fingertip blood glucose monitoring.
The sensor needs to be replaced regularly, and the data must be calibrated with fingertip blood glucose measurements.
Urine Glucose Test Strips
Urine glucose test strips are simple tools for the semi-quantitative detection of glucose in urine using colorimetry. Glucose appears in urine when blood glucose concentration exceeds the renal glucose threshold.
Urine glucose test strips are easy to use and low-cost, suitable for preliminary screening or auxiliary observation. However, results are significantly affected by factors such as renal glucose threshold, water intake, and urine concentration. They cannot accurately reflect real-time blood glucose levels or detect hypoglycemia. Therefore, they are no longer used as a major monitoring method in modern diabetes management, but mainly for auxiliary reference or preliminary assessment in resource-limited settings.